Gas prices at highest levels since October in Riverside, San Bernardino counties

The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in the Inland Empire rose today for the 13th consecutive day, increasing seven-tenths of a cent to $3.763, its highest amount since Oct. 17.

The average price in Riverside and San Bernardino counties has risen 16.4 cents over the past 13 days, including 1.5 cents on Saturday, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service. It is 10.1 cents more than one week ago and 11.9 cents higher than one month ago, but 44.8 cents less than one year ago.

The rising prices are the result of the annual refinery maintenance season when supplies of winter blend gasoline drop as refineries start production of the more expensive summer blend, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California.